Kind Stranger Alter Red Wine 2022, Benton City, Washington

2022 vintage: 60% Solaksen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Scarline Vineyard Malbec, and 15% Freewater Rocks Vineyard Syrah. Blending is nothing if not an excercise in change, creating a new sum. The parts here are three varietals from outstanding vineyard sites to produce this robust Washington red. Cabernet vines grown in the basalt derived gravel of Royal Slope give excellent depth of fruit and ample structure. Scarline Malbec brings concentration, spice notes, and fruity volume to the palate. Funky Freewater Syrah layers on dark-fruited intrigue and breadth to the finish. Label artwork is by Kris Chau, based on a work titled, “Alter of Labor + Love.”